The question on every sports enthusiast’s mind – “Where Is Olympics 2028?” – now has an even more exciting answer for lacrosse fans worldwide. Los Angeles, California, will proudly host the 2028 Olympic Games, and among the thrilling additions to the sport program is the dynamic game of lacrosse. This marks a monumental achievement for World Lacrosse and a historic return to the Olympic stage for a sport with deep North American roots and a rapidly growing global presence. After decades of dedicated effort, the dream of seeing lacrosse played at the highest level of athletic competition is finally becoming a reality in the vibrant setting of Los Angeles.
Lacrosse Returns to the Olympic Stage in Los Angeles
The official announcement came from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, where international sport leaders cast their decisive vote. This approval was the culmination of a process initiated by the LA28 Organizing Committee, who proposed adding new sports to inject fresh energy and appeal into the Los Angeles Games. For lacrosse, this decision signifies not just inclusion, but a powerful resurgence onto the Olympic program.
Los Angeles 2028 will be the third time lacrosse has featured in the Olympic Games, and the first in over a century. Previously, it was contested in 1904 in St. Louis and 1908 in London. Furthermore, lacrosse was showcased as a demonstration sport in the Amsterdam 1928, Los Angeles 1932, and London 1948 Olympics, highlighting its enduring appeal and international interest even then. Now, as a full medal sport in LA28, lacrosse is poised to captivate a new generation of fans and athletes.
Sixes Lacrosse: A New Era for the Olympics
In 2028, both men’s and women’s lacrosse will be showcased in the Sixes format. This fast-paced, dynamic version of the sport is designed for excitement and accessibility. Sixes is played on a smaller field with fewer players, blending elements of both field and box lacrosse. This format promises non-stop action, quick transitions, and high-scoring games, making it an ideal spectacle for the Olympic stage and attractive to both seasoned lacrosse fans and new viewers alike.
Developed in 2018, the Sixes format was strategically created to foster global growth in lacrosse. It lowers the barriers to entry for new players and nations, simplifies event staging, and creates a more level playing field for international competition. By choosing Sixes for the Olympics, World Lacrosse and the IOC are ensuring a thrilling, modern, and inclusive representation of the sport.
A Decade-Long Journey to the Olympics
“There is no greater designation than to be recognized as an Olympic sport,” stated Sue Redfern, President of World Lacrosse. Her words encapsulate the immense significance of this moment for the global lacrosse community. For over a decade, passionate individuals and organizations have worked tirelessly towards this Olympic goal. Redfern emphasized that this achievement is the result of collective vision and dedication, recognizing Olympic inclusion as the ultimate catalyst for the sport’s continued expansion and development. She extended heartfelt gratitude to LA28 and the IOC for embracing lacrosse and providing this extraordinary platform.
Jim Scherr, CEO of World Lacrosse, echoed this sentiment, calling the inclusion of lacrosse in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics a “remarkable moment” in the sport’s history. He highlighted lacrosse’s “enduring legacy, worldwide popularity, and unique ability to bring people together” as key factors in this Olympic return. Scherr also acknowledged the long and dedicated journey to bring “North America’s first game” back to the Olympic Games, driven by the unwavering passion of the lacrosse community. He believes this decision “reaffirms the Olympic values of unity, diversity, and athletic excellence,” and expressed eagerness to share the beauty of lacrosse with a global audience in Los Angeles.
Lacrosse: From Indigenous Roots to Global Sport
Lacrosse’s origins trace back to the 12th century and the Indigenous peoples of North America. It remains deeply embedded in Native American culture, a fact underscored by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s participation in international lacrosse events. This rich heritage adds another layer of significance to lacrosse’s Olympic journey.
Interestingly, men’s and women’s organized lacrosse developed concurrently in the 19th century, spearheaded by nations like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Separate international federations formed in the 1970s before merging in 2008, united by the shared ambition of returning lacrosse to the Olympics. Following IOC provisional recognition in 2018 and full recognition in 2021, the path to LA28 became clear. Lacrosse was shortlisted in 2022, undergoing rigorous evaluation before this final, historic decision.
Over the past two decades, lacrosse has experienced exponential growth, doubling its national federation membership to 90. It is now played across all five continents, with global representation in the top world rankings for both men’s and women’s teams. Alongside lacrosse, baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, and squash are also joining the LA28 sport program, promising a diverse and exciting Olympic Games.
As the global lacrosse family and the Olympic movement celebrate together, the focus now shifts to Los Angeles. Where is Olympics 2028? It’s in LA, and it’s where lacrosse athletes will have their moment to shine, competing for the ultimate honor in their sport and inspiring future generations worldwide.
